Music Review: 3 Albums to Checkout

It seems like just about every week now, an artist or group drops a new song or album. Every so often, you notice a time when it seems like there’s so much new music you won’t be able to get to it all. And by the time you actually do, 10 of your favorite artists also just released music. That has been the case over the last two weeks. Here are three albums you must check out.

“Wonderful Wonderful” -The Killers

The Killers released their fifth studio album, their first in five years. “Wonderful Wonderful” is already seeing success as it has earned The Killers their first #1 album on the Billboard 200 Chart. Early success of this new album could be a sign that the album will be bigger than their past albums. Although The Killers have become a popular band, they have been attributed to their well known songs like “Mr. Brightside,” “All These Things That I’ve Done” and “When You Were Young.” In this album, band leader Brandon Flowers reveals himself more than in past albums. He talks about retiring band mates, not touring and even his wife’s PTSD.

“In your head it’s about being tough and bringing home the bacon, but what I’ve come to find is that it’s really more about empathy and compassion,” Flowers said to Entertainment Weekly leading up to the release.

This summer I was able to hear The Killers live, and their performance included songs from this album. A personal favorite is one that I’ve heard them play live. I recommend listening to “The Man” and “Run For Cover.”

“Paradise” – Knox Fortune

Chicago producer and singer, Knox Fortune, recently released his debut album “Paradise.” Kevin “Knox Fortune” Rhomberg has found himself in the center of the music world. He has worked with artists such as Kanye West, Jay Electronica, Lil Wayne, Chance The Rapper, Justin Bieber, Joey Purp, Vic Mensa and more. Knox won a Grammy award for being a guest vocalist on the party hit “All Night” from Chance The Rapper’s “Coloring Book” album.

“What made you want to take the jump from producing/guest appearing on other people’s albums?” Knox explains how he wanted something under his name so people will have trust in his process of making music, as well as to help build his portfolio.

“It makes other artist and fans more inclined to follow your work and be interested in collaborating with you,” said Knox.

This indie-pop, 11-track album can be found on all major streaming services, so make sure you take a listen. The whole album is a masterpiece, but I would especially recommend “Help Myself” and “Lil Thing.”

“Trip” – Jhené Aiko

The 29-year old Jhené Aiko surprised fans with her 22-track album that includes multiple featured guests. Guests include her Twenty88 partner Big Sean, Kurupt, Brandy, and Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd. Aiko’s music is a mix between pop and R&B with a splash of soul. Most of the album started out as poems she jotted down throughout her nature trips. This album shows her personal strength from dealing with death and finding love to looking at past mistakes and how she takes steps forward. As a big fan of the music from Aiko and Big Sean, my song picks are “Moment” and “OLLA (Only Lovers Left Alive).”

Although only three albums were highlighted, take a look at the other albums from the past two weeks to note. Take a listen to Miley Cyrus’ “Younger Now,” Fergie’s “Double Duchess,” Lecrae’s “All Things Work Together,” Rapsody’s “Laila’s Wisdom,” and Cut Copy’s “Haiku From Zero.”

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